WO2019115085A1

WO2019115085A1 - Heating unit for a system for providing an inhalable aerosol

Info

Publication number: WO2019115085A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/079946
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karlheinz Wienand; Andreas Elschner; Tim Asmus
Original assignee: Heraeus Nexensos Gmbh
Priority date: 2017-12-12
Filing date: 2018-11-01
Publication date: 2019-06-20
Also published as: DE102017222528B3

Abstract

The invention relates to a heating unit for a system for providing an inhalable aerosol, comprising: at least one substrate (9) having at least one heating element (11) for heating a substance (27) for forming the inhalable aerosol and at least one temperature sensor element (13) for detecting a temperature of the heating element (11), wherein an internal resistance of the temperature sensor element (13) is greater than an internal resistance of the heating element (11); and at least one control means (15) that is connected to the heating element (11) and to the temperature sensor element (13) and is adapted to: apply a reference current profile to the heating element (11), detect at least one temperature value of the temperature sensor element (13), determine a decision value based on the temperature value and at least one stored reference temperature value, and provide an indication if the decision value falls below or exceeds at least one threshold value. The present invention also relates to a use of a heating unit and a method (1000) for operating a heating unit.

Description

Heating unit for a system for providing an inhalable aerosol

description

The present invention relates to a heating unit for a system for providing an inhalable aerosol. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a use of a heating unit in a system for providing an inhalable aerosol, and a method for operating a heating unit.

The prior art discloses systems having heaters for providing inhalable aerosols that heat a substance for forming the aerosol. Depending on the system used, the substance may be liquid or solid. In general, in such systems, a substance comprising tobacco or a tobacco-like product will not be burned as in a conventional cigarette but merely heated without burning the substance to thereby obtain an inhalable aerosol.

For example, WO 2013/034456 A1 describes the construction of a system in which a substance, such as tobacco or a tobacco-like product, is heated on a surface or in the vicinity of the surface of a heating element until a nicotine-containing and / or flavor-containing aerosol is produced. The formed aerosol can be inhaled by a user using a mouthpiece.

The use of a substance in the inhalable aerosol delivery system which is incompatible with the system and / or the heating unit used therein may damage the system and / or the heating element, in the worst case even leading to complete destruction of the system. To detect a compatible / non-compatible substance, various techniques are known in the prior art.

For example, US 2017/0095003 A1 describes an admixture of a magnetic powder to the substance. When introducing the substance into the system, a coil on a heating element of the system registers a change in inductance to detect if the substance used is compatible with the system. A similar technique is described in US 2016/0302488 A1, in which markers in the substance can be detected spectroscopically. An optical recognition of the substance by means of a diode and detector is described in WO 2017/029089 A1 and a detection of the substance by means of capacitive measurement is described in WO 2015/140312 A1.

However, the techniques described above have the disadvantage that, prior to use with the inhalable aerosol delivery system, the substance must be labeled to identify the substance as being compatible with the system and / or the heating unit used therein. Also complex evaluation units, such as optical systems, induction and / or capacitance meters are necessary for such detections.

Another technique for detecting a substance is described in WO 2016/150922 A2. In WO 2016/150922 A2 it is proposed to record the course of the heating resistance of the heating element during the generation of the aerosol and to compare it with a reference value in order to identify compatible / non-compatible substances. However, the heating elements commonly used in the systems have, because of the limited physical dimensions and the associated limited power supply options, a very low internal resistance of about 1 ohm. To detect changes in resistance in a very small range of usually 0.1 to 0.001 ohms, based on the absolute value, for the detection of a system compatible / non-compatible substance, however, again a complex evaluation unit is necessary.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved heating unit for an inhalable aerosol delivery system which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, to provide a heating unit with which substances can be detected inexpensively and with little effort, which are not compatible with the system and / or with the heating unit.

This object is achieved by a heating unit according to the subject of claim 1.

The heating unit according to the invention for a system for providing an inhalable aerosol has for this purpose:

at least one substrate having at least one heating element for heating a substance for forming the inhalable aerosol and at least one temperature sensor element for Detecting a temperature of the heating element, wherein an internal resistance of the

Temperature sensor element is greater than an internal resistance of the heating element; and at least one control means connected to the heating element and the

Temperature sensor element and adapted to:

Applying a reference current profile to the heating element,

Detecting at least one temperature value from the temperature sensor element,

Determining a decision value based on the temperature value and at least one stored reference temperature value, and

Providing an indication if the decision value exceeds or falls below at least one limit value.

The substrate may comprise or consist of a pressed and sintered ceramic. Particularly suitable materials for the substrate are, for example, metal oxides such as aluminum oxide or zirconium dioxide.

The heating element may be an electrical heating element, for example a resistance conductor track arranged on the substrate, and may be operated for heating or vaporizing the substance in a temperature range from 200 ° C to 400 ° C. However, the heating element can be operated, at least temporarily, even in a higher temperature range, for example at about 550 ° C for cleaning the heater. Typically, the heating element has an internal resistance of about 1 ohm. The temperature sensor can be arranged, for example, in thin-film technology on the substrate.

The temperature sensing element may be a temperature dependent resistor, such as a PT100 or a P1000, and may be disposed on or near the heating element for sensing the temperature of the heating element. Depending on the embodiment, the temperature sensor element has an internal resistance of 100 or 1000 ohms at 0 ° C., which increases with increasing temperature.

The control means may comprise an electrical or electronic circuit, such as a programmable circuit, and be disposed within the system and comprise means for

Applying a reference current profile to the heating element,

Detecting at least one temperature value from the temperature sensor element, Determining a decision value based on the temperature value and at least one stored reference temperature value, and

The term "reference current profile can be understood in this context as applying a predefined electrical current over a predefined period of time to the heating element. In this case, the current over the predefined period of time may be constant, but also vary as a function of time and / or increase / decrease substantially constant over the predefined time period. The detection of the temperature value can take place continuously or once at a specific time / points in time after the heating element is subjected to the reference current profile. If the temperature sensor element is a temperature-dependent resistor, the temperature value can be determined from a resistance value of the temperature-dependent resistor. The decision value can then be determined from a comparison of the temperature value and a stored reference temperature value. In the simplest case, this can be done by comparing only the two values. In order to increase the accuracy, the decision value can also be determined from a comparison of a plurality of temperature values and reference temperature values, for example continuously. Thus, for example, the decision value can be determined from the sum of the differences between the temperature values determined in the predefined period of time and the corresponding reference temperature values. The determined decision value (s) may then be compared to a threshold that may be stored in the control means and, for example, define a maximum error. If this limit is exceeded or undershot, an indication is provided that the currently used substance for generating the aerosol, which is arranged on the heating element and heated by the heating element is not compatible. The indication may be provided as an electrical signal at an output of the control means and / or generated as a logical signal within the control means and further processed in the control means. For example, the indication in the control means may cause an immediate shutdown of the heating element or the output of an optical or acoustic signal.

The invention is based on the surprising finding that the temperature values of the temperature sensor element are due to the use of a separate temperature sensor element can be detected with a higher internal resistance than the internal resistance of the heating element very accurately and with little effort and therefore cost. The exact temperature values are then simply compared to reference temperature values to find out for the applied reference current history whether the currently used substance for generating the aerosol is compatible with the heating element / system.

In one example, the heating unit has at least one energy supply means and the control means is adapted to apply the heating element via the power supply means with the reference current profile and the temperature value is proportional to the height of the reference current.

In the above example, furthermore, the power supply means may be adapted upon receiving an indication from the control means to cut off the power supply of the heating element.

In one example, the control means is adapted to determine the temperature value during the reference current waveform at a predetermined time.

In a further example, the control means is adapted to determine at least two, preferably a plurality of temperature values, at predetermined times during the reference current profile, and to determine the decision value between the temperature values and stored reference temperature values.

In yet another example, the control means is adapted to determine the decision value from the difference of the temperature value (s) and the reference temperature value (s).

In another example, the heating element and the temperature sensor element are arranged separately and adjacent to one another on the same side of the substrate, in particular in thin-film technology on the same side of the substrate.

In yet another example, the heating unit has at least one electrically insulating layer, wherein the electrically insulating layer is arranged at least in regions on the heating element and / or the temperature sensor element. In another example, the heating unit has a housing with a receptacle for holding the substance for forming the inhalable aerosol, preferably the receptacle is adapted to hold the substance immediately adjacent to the heating element and / or surrounding the heating element.

The invention also proposes a use of a heating unit according to the invention in a system for providing an inhalable aerosol.

Furthermore, the invention proposes a method for operating a heating unit for a system for providing an inhalable aerosol, comprising the steps:

Applying at least one heating element having at least one reference current profile, detecting at least one temperature value of at least one temperature sensor element arranged on a substrate with the heating element for heating a substance for forming the inhalable aerosol, wherein an internal resistance of the temperature sensor element is greater than an internal resistance of the heating element;

Determining a decision value based on the temperature value and at least one stored reference temperature value; and

In one example, determining the decision value includes:

Determining the temperature value at a predetermined time during the reference current waveform.

In yet another example, determining the decision value includes:

Determining at least two, preferably a plurality of temperature values, at predetermined times during the reference current waveform, and determining the decision value between the temperature values and stored reference temperature values.

In another example, the decision value is determined by the difference of the temperature value (s) and the reference temperature value (s). In another example, the decision value is determined from the sum of the differences between the temperature values determined in the predefined period of time and the corresponding reference temperature values.

In another example, the threshold is set by:

Placing a reference substance on the heating element;

Applying the reference current profile to the heating element,

Detecting the reference temperature value during the reference current waveform, preferably detecting a plurality of reference temperature values at predetermined times during the reference current waveform; and

Storing the reference temperature value, preferably the reference temperature values, in a control means.

In this context, "known reference substance" may be a known substance, an ideal substance, or also a test substance which is compatible with the system for providing the inhalable aerosol and / or the heating unit. For example, the "reference substance" may be an original product of the manufacturer. The determination of the limit may be made once by the manufacturer or by a distributor prior to the sale of the system, and the reference temperature value may remain stored in the control means for the life of the system.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, are explained in the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to schematic drawings.

Showing:

Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a system for providing an inhalable aerosol with a heating unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view through a system for providing an inhalable aerosol with a substance arranged thereon for forming the inhalable aerosol and a heating unit according to an embodiment of the invention; 3 shows a method for operating a heating unit according to a

Embodiment of the invention; and

4 shows a method for setting a limit value according to a

Embodiment of the invention.

1 shows a schematic sectional view through a system 1 for providing an inhalable aerosol with a heating unit 3 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The heating unit 3 shown has a substantially cylindrical housing 5 with a receptacle 7 for holding a substance for forming the inhalable aerosol. The receptacle 7 is designed substantially cylindrical to hold a likewise cylindrical or tubular substance arranged.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the heating element 11 is arranged meander-shaped on a substrate 9. The heating element 11 has a resistance conductor track and is applied to the substrate 9 in thin-film technology. The substrate 9 is formed in the embodiment shown from a plate pressed and sintered ceramic of alumina. When a current flows through the resistor track, the resistor track heats up and can thereby heat a substance disposed thereon. In the embodiment shown, the substrate 9 shown is designed tapering towards its end region or in the shape of an arrow. In embodiments not shown, the substrate 9 may also be formed from other materials and / or configured differently, such as rectangular or triangular.

The temperature sensor element 13 shown in FIG. 1 is likewise designed in meandering fashion and can be arranged on the substrate 9, as well as the heating element 11, in thin-film technology. In an embodiment not shown, the temperature sensor element 13 may also have a separate housing. It is advantageous in the embodiment shown, the very good thermal coupling between the temperature sensor element 13 and substrate 9, and that the internal resistance of the temperature sensor element 13 is greater than the internal resistance of the heating element 1 1, thereby simplifying detection of temperature, or temperature changes compared to a direct Allow measurement on the heating element 11. The heating element 11 shown and the temperature sensor element 13 are connected to a control means 15 in the embodiment shown. The control means 15 may comprise an electrical or electronic circuit, such as a programmable circuit. In the illustrated embodiment, the control means 15 comprises means for applying a reference current waveform to the heating element 17, means for detecting 19 at least one temperature value from the temperature sensor element 13, means 21 for determining a decision value based on the temperature value and at least one stored reference temperature value, and means for providing 23 an indication if the decision value exceeds or falls below at least one threshold. In the embodiment shown, these means 17-23 are implemented electronically in the control means 15. In embodiments not shown, these means 17 - 23 but also by separate electronic circuits in the control means 15 may be realized.

Also shown in Figure 1, a power supply means 25 which is connected to the control means 15 and for the power supply of the control means 15, as well as the heating element 11 and the temperature sensor element 13 is used.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional illustration through a system 1 for providing an inhalable aerosol with a substance 27 arranged thereon for forming the inhalable aerosol and a heating unit 3 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The system 1 shown corresponds to the system 1 already shown in FIG. 1, with the difference that a substance 27 for forming the inhalable aerosol has been introduced into the receptacle. The substance 27 comprises a tobacco or a tobacco-like product and forms the aerosol when the substance 27 is heated with the heating element 11.

FIG. 3 shows a method for operating a heating unit for a system for providing an inhalable aerosol according to an embodiment of the invention.

The illustrated method 1000 of operating a heating unit for an inhalable aerosol delivery system, comprising the steps of:

Applying 1010 at least one heating element with at least one

Reference current course, Detecting 1020 at least one temperature value of at least one

Temperature sensor element disposed on a substrate with the heating element for heating a substance for forming the inhalable aerosol, wherein an internal resistance of the

Temperature sensor element is greater than an internal resistance of the heating element;

Determining 1030 a decision value based on the temperature value and at least one stored reference temperature value; and

Providing 1040 an indication if the decision value exceeds or falls below at least one threshold.

Furthermore, FIG. 4 shows a method 1100 for setting a limit value according to an embodiment of the invention.

The method 1 100 shown has the following steps for this purpose:

Arranging 1 110 a reference substance on the heating element

Applying 1 120 of the heating element with the reference current profile,

Detecting 1130 the reference temperature value during the reference current waveform, preferably detecting a plurality of reference temperature values at predetermined times during the reference current waveform; and

Storing 1 140 the reference temperature value, preferably the reference temperature values, in a control means.

The features set forth in the foregoing description, in the claims and in the figures may be essential to the invention in its various embodiments both individually and in any combination.

LIST OF REFERENCES

1 system for providing an inhalable aerosol

3 heating unit

5 housing

7 recording

9 substrate

1 1 heating element

13 Temperature sensor element

15 tax funds

17 means for applying

19 means for detecting

21 Means of detection

23 means for providing

25 energy supplies

27 substance

1000 methods of operation

1010 Apply

1020 Capture

1030 Determine

1040 Deploy

1 100 Procedure for setting a limit value

1 1 10 Arranging

1 120 Apply

1 130 Capture

1 140 Save

Claims

claims

1. A heating unit for a system for providing an inhalable aerosol,

comprising:

at least one substrate (9) comprising at least one heating element (11) for heating a substance (27) for forming the inhalable aerosol and at least one

Temperature sensor element (13) for detecting a temperature of the heating element (11), wherein an internal resistance of the temperature sensor element (13) is greater than an internal resistance of the heating element (1 1); and

at least one control means (15) connected to the heating element (1 1) and the

Temperature sensor element (13) and adapted to:

Applying the heating element (11) with a reference current profile,

Detecting at least one temperature value from the temperature sensor element

(13)

2. The heating unit according to claim 1, characterized in that

the heating unit has at least one energy supply means (25) and the

Control means (15) adapted to act on the heating element (11) via the power supply means (25) with the reference current profile and the temperature value is proportional to the height of the reference current.

3. The heating unit according to claim 2, characterized in that

the power supply means (25) is adapted upon receiving an indication from the control means (15) to cut off the power supply of the heating element (11).

4. The heating unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the control means (15) is adapted to the temperature value during the

Reference current profile to determine at a predetermined time.

5. The heating unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the control means (15) is adapted to determine at least two, preferably a plurality of temperature values, at predetermined times during the reference current profile, and to determine the decision value between the temperature values and stored reference temperature values.

6. The heating unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the control means (15) is adapted the decision value from the difference of the temperature value (s) and the reference temperature value (s)

To determine reference temperature values.

7. The heating unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the heating element (11) and the temperature sensor element (13) are arranged separately and adjacently on the same side of the substrate (9), in particular in FIG

Thin-film technology on the same side of the substrate (9) are arranged.

8. The heating unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the heating unit has at least one electrically insulating layer, wherein the electrically insulating layer is arranged at least in regions on the heating element (11) and / or the temperature sensor element (13).

9. The heating unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the heating unit has a housing (5) with a receptacle (7) for holding the substance (27) for forming the inhalable aerosol, the receptacle (7) is adapted to adapt the substance (27) directly to the heating element (1 1) and / or to keep the heating element (11) surrounding.

10. Use of a heating unit according to one of claims 1 to 9 in a system for providing an inhalable aerosol.

11. A method of operating a heating unit for an inhalable aerosol delivery system, comprising the steps of:

Applying (1010) at least one heating element (11) with at least one

Reference current course,

Detecting (1020) at least one temperature value of at least one

Temperature sensor element (13) arranged on a substrate (9) with the heating element (1 1) for heating a substance (27) for forming the inhalable aerosol, wherein an internal resistance of the temperature sensor element (13) is greater than an internal resistance of the heating element (11);

Determining (1030) a decision value based on the temperature value and at least one stored reference temperature value; and

Providing (1040) an indication if the decision value exceeds or falls below at least one threshold.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that

determining (1030) the decision value comprises:

13. The method of claim 1 1 or 12, characterized in that

determining (1030) the decision value comprises:

Determining at least two, preferably a plurality of temperature values, at predetermined times during the reference current profile, and determining the decision value between the temperature values and stored

Reference temperature values.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the decision value is determined by means of the difference between the temperature value (s) and the reference temperature value (s).

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the limit value is set by means of:

Arranging (11-10) a reference substance on the heating element (11);

Applying (1 120) the heating element (11) with the reference current profile, Detecting (1130) the reference temperature value during the reference current waveform, preferably detecting a plurality of reference temperature values at predetermined times during the reference current waveform; and

Storing (1 140) the reference temperature value, preferably the

Reference temperature values, in a control means (15).